Briefs

Defence Minister Stephen Smith said last night the government would not make a decision on a new defence chief before June. Defence Force chief Air Chief Marshal
Angus Houston
retires in early July after six years in the post. John Kerin

A NSW business had its financial services licence cancelled after surveillance by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. The corporate regulator said that Allan Radcliffe Joyner, trading as Peter Joyner and Associates, breached a number of obligations including failing to maintain adequate compensation arrangements.Staff reporter

Insurers are calling for a national governmental approach to flood prevention and mitigation, after bearing massive claims for a series of recent natural disasters.

Insurance Council of Australia head Rob Whelan said local, state and federal governments needed to act to protect people and property from floods. AAP

Coastal areas of Adelaide could be inundated by sea level rises, according to model maps released by Federal Climate Change Minister
Greg Combet
. The maps predict climate change-fuelled sea-level rises of between 0.5 to 1.1 metres and frequent flooding in Port Adelaide by 2100. “A significant area of Adelaide is at risk of inundation around the year 2100 on those particular scenarios," Mr Combet said in Adelaide yesterday. “The maps highlight low-lying areas that are particularly vulnerable to flooding in the type of event expected to occur annually around 2100." AAP

Aboriginal leader
Mick Dodson
has implored the Victorian government to continue to acknowledge indigenous land owners at government functions. Victorian Premier
Ted Baillieu
said ministers should decide whether to acknowledge traditional landowners at public events, a departure from the preceding Labor government’s customary but not compulsory approach to the tribute. AAP